Goa MLA Launches Scathing Attack on Government Over Alleged Misuse of TCP Act
Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar has launched a fierce criticism against the state government, alleging a severe betrayal of the legislative intent behind the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act. On Monday, Arolkar accused authorities of rampant misuse of Section 39A of the act, which he claims is being weaponized to facilitate large-scale land conversions that threaten Goa's ecological balance and local communities.
Amendment Exploited for Large-Scale Land Conversion
The MLA asserted that while the amendment to Section 39A was originally passed under the guise of helping local residents regularize small orchard plots, it has now been distorted to enable the conversion of millions of square meters of eco-sensitive land primarily for outsiders. Arolkar revealed that nearly 60 lakh square meters across Mandrem alone are currently in the process of provisional conversion under this provision.
"This is not just my issue; it is a fight for the identity of local citizens," Arolkar stated emphatically. He added that his repeated attempts to raise this critical matter in the legislative assembly have been systematically suppressed, preventing proper democratic discussion and scrutiny.
Specific Cases Highlight Environmental Concerns
Arolkar provided specific examples of the concerning conversions already underway. In Mandrem, approximately 2.7 lakh square meters of land has already been converted without obtaining consent from local panchayats or residents, bypassing community input entirely.
Earlier, the Mandrem legislator joined forces with Arambol villagers to protest a particularly controversial proposal to convert 3.5 lakh square meters of private forest in the Bhatwadi area into a settlement zone. Residents fear this project would destroy perennial water sources that sustain local ecosystems and communities, creating long-term environmental damage.
Call for Cross-Political Unity Against Builder-Politician Nexus
The MLA has issued a passionate appeal to all members of the legislative assembly, urging them to set aside political affiliations and unite in protecting Goa's precious natural resources. He specifically highlighted the need to safeguard the state's hills and salt pans from what he described as a destructive "builder-politician nexus" that prioritizes development profits over environmental preservation and community welfare.
Arolkar's allegations point to a systematic pattern where legislative provisions designed for community benefit are being exploited for large-scale commercial interests, raising fundamental questions about governance transparency and environmental stewardship in Goa.
